Best of SHOT Show 2020

As we’ve done at previous SHOT Shows, we handed out awards for standout product releases in four categories: Best of Show Best Firearm Best Accessory … and our personal favorite, Best of the Basement

As usual, the discussion surrounding the winners was lengthy, and what you see here only covers what we got handsy with at SHOT Show. But, just because we saw a product’s potential doesn’t mean it will live up to its maker’s claims — you’ll see reviews in upcoming issues to get the real scoop.

The awards themselves were a collaborative effort. The “crowler” cans were provided by Green Feet Brewing, a veteran-owned brewery with roots in the Air Force’s Combat Rescue community — that may or may not have been filled with their signature Tango Down IPA. The cans were then coated in KG GunKote by P4 Coatings in a custom color scheme that matched the cover of our SHOT Show issue. Once coated, the cans were laser engraved by LEO Armory with the award categories to make them presentation ready.

Best of Show

Laugo Arms Alien Pistol Back in RECOIL Issue 41 we introduced the world to the future-forward Alien pistol hailing from Czech Republic. While the Alien isn’t new, per se, the big news is that Laugo Arms secured an American importer for the wondergun in Lancer Systems (not to be confused with the airsoft company, Lancer Tactical, seen later in this article). Soon enough, plenty of Americans will be able to get their hands on one and see why we’re so excited about this pistol’s outside-the-box design.laugoarms.com

Best Firearm

Ruger 57 This year there were a lot of contenders regarding Best Firearm. Palmetto State Armory, in particular, brought a lot of brand-new to the table. Curiously, several new 5.7x28mm hosts hit the market, along with Speer throwing a defensive Gold Dot option into the mix. The Ruger 57 seemingly came out of left field, but this fast and flat-shooting American pistol took the crown and is fully detailed right here in this issue.ruger.com

Best Accessory

Trijicon Ventus Long range shooting is increasing in popularity, and along for the ride are all manner of optical accessories. Previously only seen with black-budget projects, Trijicon brought out a laser range finder that has the capability of reading wind speed out to 500 yards. A bevy of lasers makes up a Doppler LIDAR array at the heart of the Ventus. This system allows the user to measure headwinds, tailwinds, and crosswinds at six different distances.trijicon.com

Best of the Basement

Lancer Tactical Airsoft Mk19 It turns out that a belt-fed 40mm still brings the smiles, even if it’s just airsoft — this just hit that perfect balance of awesome and outrageous we seek to reward with our Best of the Basement award. Lancer Tactical displayed perhaps the most expensive airsoft gun we’ve ever seen, its $7,000 Mk19, belt-fed grenade launcher. No doubt, you’d be king of the crowd at any airsoft event with one of these mounted to your MRAP. And yes, if you can buy one of these for grins, you can afford the MRAP to mount it on.lancertactical.com

Watch RECOILtv for videos on these products and others we covered at the event by visitingwww.recoil.tv